Information and actions being taken related to COVID-19

Campus Status

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, summer classes are being held online, with exceptions needing lab access. Current plans are to resume with campus instruction in the fall. Updates on pandemic-driven adjustments can be seen on the right side of this page.

General Information

The Citadel is actively monitoring the global outbreak of respiratory illness caused by coronavirus (termed “2019-nCoV”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people.

This new virus, 2019-nCoV , is a public health concern because:

It is newly identified and so little is known about it.
Two other human coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, have caused severe illness in the past.

What are the symptoms?

The respiratory illness caused by this virus is being called COVID-19. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

How is it transmitted, how severe is COVID-19 and what is the treatment?

According to the CDC, person-to-person spread is occurring, although it’s unclear exactly how it is transmitted and how easily the virus spreads between people.

Both MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV have been known to cause severe illness in people. The complete clinical picture with regard to COVID-19 is not fully understood. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild to severe, including illness resulting in death.

People infected with 2019-nCoV should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended. Global efforts at this time are focused concurrently on containing spread of this virus and mitigating the impact of this virus.

What preventative measures can be taken?

The CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Seek medical help if experiencing any symptoms.